Commissioner Willie Simmons, Central Transportation District, has announced updates to several Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) projects across central Mississippi.
“Lots of progress is being made across the central area of our state and many critical infrastructure improvement projects are wrapping up as we bring this year to a close,” said Simmons. “This is the kind of investment we need in our state’s transportation network. It will go a long way in improving safety and efficiency across central Mississippi. Please do your part by slowing down and staying alert for roadside workers throughout these work zones.”
Newly opened SR 18 bridge over Dabbs Creek in Rankin County
State Route 18 bridge replacement project finishes ahead of schedule
Crews have completed the replacement of the State Route 18 bridge over Dabbs Creek in Rankin County ahead of schedule and reopened the roadway the day before Thanksgiving. In addition to safety benefits, the new bridge provides better access to businesses and residences in the area. The nearly $3 million project was awarded to Ste-Bil Grading, Inc. of Waterford.
The work required the bridge to close for eight months, but favorable weather conditions allowed crews to wrap up the replacement project a month ahead of schedule. Although the new bridge is open for travel, crews may still be out or near the bridge cleaning up and performing final work items in the coming weeks. Motorists should slow down and stay alert when approaching the bridge until fully complete.
“I applaud crews for working diligently to get this vital corridor opened back up ahead of schedule and before the holiday season,” said Simmons. “We appreciate everyone’s patience throughout this closure. Residents and the business community now have a safer and more reliable bridge to travel.”
State Route 19 expansion continues in Neshoba County
Work continues on the 4.6-mile expansion of State Route 19 from two to four lanes between Tucker and Philadelphia in Neshoba County. Phase I work is complete and included construction of the new northbound lanes, reworking side roads onto the west side of the existing SR 19 and construction of the new intersection at Tucker Elementary School.
Phase II work is underway. Work includes clearing and grubbing, milling the southbound lanes of SR 19, removing old box culverts and bridges and constructing box culverts and bridges. Other work items include rehabbing portions of the existing SR 19 and reconstructing other areas that require new cross drains and box culverts.
Phase III will place traffic in the four-lane configuration, place the final lift of asphalt and provide permanent striping. The $36 million contract was awarded to W.G. Yates and Sons Construction of Philadelphia. Remaining work is expected to wrap up in 2024.
OGFC removal I-20 Hinds County
Removal of OGFC pavement in Jackson-metro continues
A project to remove open-graded friction course (OGFC) pavement on interstates in the Jackson-metro area is making headway. This includes I-20 from McRaven Rd. to the I-20/I-55 split and from the I-20/I-55 split to east of State Route 468 and I-55 throughout Hinds County.
Additional work consists of milling and overlaying the Gallatin St. connector ramp to I-20 westbound and the Gallatin St. loop ramp to I-20 eastbound. A portion of the project consists of placing high-friction surface treatment on the ramp form I-55 south to I-20 west.
Current work includes milling the I-20 eastbound mainline and repaving the tie-ins and asphalt failures on I-20 westbound. The $11 million contract was awarded to Dickerson & Bowen, Inc. of Brookhaven.
I-55 Frontage Road closure in Jackson
Emergency bridge repair on frontage road bridge underway in Jackson
A project that consists of repairing the I-55 south frontage road over Hanging Moss Creek in Jackson is underway due to a fire that occurred underneath the bridge. The scope of repairs includes removal of the existing asphalt overlay, removing and replacing voided deck slabs and railing, repairing spalls and other damage with epoxy mortar, and applying hybrid polymer concrete overlay to the deck.
The bridge was closed on November 27. Detour signage is in place to route traffic around the work area. During the closure, all side and local roads (for the exception of Northside Dr. currently closed at the frontage road for a City of Jackson repair) will remain OPEN. Motorists can route their way around to closure to get to businesses or schools nearby using Google or Apple maps.
The $828,000 project was awarded to Key, LLC of Madison. Work is on track to be completed by spring 2024.
Mill and overlay of U.S. 49 in Rankin County continues
Ditch repair work on US 49 South in Rankin County
A major project providing the mill and overlay of 9.2 miles of U.S. 49 from the Simpson County line to just south of Florence is making headway. Work includes repairing failed areas, releveling underlying concrete pavement with pressure grouting, widening the turn lanes at Star Rd., and upgrading deficient guardrail.
Work in progress includes a ditch repair work past Star Rd. on the southbound side of U.S. 49, concrete pavement pressure grouting and pothole patching throughout the project. The $11.4 million project was awarded to APAC-MS, Inc. of Jackson. Remaining work is on track to wrap up next spring.
Mill and overlay planned on I-20 in Scott County
A mill and overlay of 17 miles of I-20 from the Rankin County line to 0.35 miles east of State Route 501 is set to begin soon in Scott County.
The scope of work includes repairing failed areas in the existing pavement, pressure grouting and repair of longitudinal joints, removal of debris from existing drainage structures, tree clearing, replacement of deficient guardrail, upgrading traffic signal detection radar at the State Route 35 interchange, epoxy repairs and resealing joints on various bridges throughout the project.
The $28 million project was awarded to APAC-MS, Inc. and the estimated completion date is summer 2025.
Mill and overlay of State Route 18 in Hinds County wraps up
A mill and overlay of 18 miles of State Route 18 from the end of the Copiah County line to the beginning of the four-lane section near Raymond is wrapping up. The scope of work included repairing failed areas, repairing and replacing damaged cross drain pipes and widening portions of the roadway.
The contractor is completing final punch list items. The nearly $8 million contract was awarded to Superior Asphalt, Inc. of Byram.
Bridge preservation on State Route 39 in Kemper County complete
A bridge preservation project on the State Route 39 bridge over Straight Creek is complete. The scope of work included bridge deck repairs, replacement of bridge bearings, resealing of bridge joints, cleaning bent caps, installing of fiber reinforced polymer wraps on bent caps and overlaying the bridge with a hybrid polymer concrete.
The project has been released to maintenance. The $445,000 contract was awarded to Key, LLC.
Mill and overlay of State Route 19 complete in Lauderdale County
A mill and overlay of five miles of State Route 19 from 0.5 miles north of North Hills St. to 0.2 miles north of State Route 494 is wrapping up. The scope of work included safety improvements to the intersections of SR 494 and SR 19 and State Blvd. Extension and SR 19, removal of debris from existing drainage structures, random clearing of trees on right-of-way to improve sight distance, repairing failed areas in the existing pavement, replacement of guardrail, replacement of signs and resealing of bridge joints.
APAC-MS, Inc. was awarded the $5.5 million contract. All pay items are complete.
Mill and overlay of State Route 16 makes headway in Madison County
A mill and overlay of 11 miles of State Route 16 from State Route 43 to Farmhaven is making progress in Madison County. Work includes repairing failed areas and replacement of guardrail and signage. Another portion of the project provides for the removal of asphalt and installation of a concrete inlay on sections of State Route 43 and SR 16.
All items have been completed with the exception of asphalt grinding and the placement of rumble strips and thermoplastic stripe. Remaining work is expected to be completed by spring 2024. The $4.7 million contract was awarded to APAC-MS, Inc.
Mill and overlay of State Route 16 begins in Leake County
A project consisting of the mill and overlay of five miles of State Route 16 from the Madison County line to west of State Route 25 will soon be underway. Work includes repairing failed areas in the existing pavement and replacing guardrail and deficient signs.
The $2.8 million project was awarded to Dickerson & Bowen, Inc. Work is scheduled to wrap up next spring.
Intersection improvements on U.S. 51 in Madison County
Dirt work is underway on a project aiming to improve the intersection of U.S. 51 and Green Oak Ln. The improvements consist of widening the roadways, installing intersection channelization, and installing a traffic signal system. The project will help provide the U.S. 51 tie-in necessary for the adjacent Reunion Parkway.
The $2.2 million contract was awarded to prime contractor Hemphill Construction Company, Inc. of Florence. The estimated completion date is spring 2024.
Mill and overlay of State Route 14 underway in Noxubee County
A project to mill and overlay 13 miles of State Route 14 from the Winston County line to west of State Route 145 is underway in Noxubee County. Work includes repairing failed areas in the existing pavement and the replacement of guardrail and deficient signs.
Crews have completed the repair of failed areas in the mainline and shoulder, mainline milling and paving and placement of temporary stripe. Work underway includes the overlaying of county roads and driveway pads.
The $8.2 million project was awarded to APAC-MS, Inc. Work is expected to wrap up next summer.
Mill and overlay of State Route 15 in Neshoba County complete
The 8-mile mill and overlay of State Route 15 from County Road 461 to the Winston County line is complete. Work included repairing failed areas, upgrading deficient guardrail, minor bridge repair work and adding a centerline rumble strip throughout the project limits.
The $6.1 million project was awarded to Dickerson & Bowen, Inc.
“We’re going to continue this momentum in 2024 when it comes to improving our state’s infrastructure,” said Simmons. “Together, we’re paving the way towards a better, safer and more connected Mississippi.”
Work zone safety
Highway work zones are meant to protect the traveling public and the highway workers on the side of the road. Highway work zones can be found throughout the state and often present unfamiliar traffic conditions. Examples of common work zones found on Mississippi highways and a complete list of tips can be found at GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms.
MDOT project website
MDOT recently launched a new project update webpage that aims to keep the public informed regarding significant, active projects. The webpage provides up-to-date information on project timelines, progress, and any potential road closures or detours that may be associated with the project. Access the MDOT projects webpage by visiting www.GoMDOT.com/Projects.
In addition to the projects webpage, drivers can stay updated with live travel information by downloading the MDOT Traffic mobile app, visiting www.MDOTtraffic.com and following @MississippiDOT on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and YouTube.